Kanwar Yatra Row: Plea in Allahabad HC against Meat Shops Closure

A petition has been filed in the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday challenging the Varanasi Municipal Corporation’s order to close meat shops situated along the Kanwar Yatra route during the month of Sawan. The petition, filed by the National Loktantrik Party, seeks an urgent hearing in the matter.

The plea argues that the practice of Kanwariya during Sawan is an age-old tradition during which meat shops have always remained open. The petition contends that such directives are creating exclusion by identity. It also claims that this decision infringes upon the fundamental right to individual liberty and choice of food, as it prevents individuals who wish to consume meat or those for whom meat consumption is medically prescribed from doing so. Many of these shops are on rental premises, and their sudden closure will adversely affect the owners, most of whom are of Muslim faith.

The municipal body has stated that the decision was made to ensure that Kanwariyas do not face any issues during their yatra. Reports indicate that there are 96 meat shops along the Kanwar Yatra route.

This legal challenge comes shortly after the Supreme Court stayed a directive by the Uttar Pradesh Police requiring shop owners and hawkers to display their names outside their premises during the Kanwar Yatra season.

The Court’s order specified that while food sellers (including dhaba owners, restaurants, food and vegetable sellers, hawkers, etc.) may be required to display the type of food they serve to Kanwariyas, they must not be forced to display the names or identities of the owners and employees working in their establishments.